Oregon Magazine   Traveling the West?  Stay at  Shilo Inns
   Cover | Table of Contents

 
 
Congressional Medal of Honor

The little blue ribbon has 13 stars.  Not an unlucky number, unless your name is King George.  It was created at the time of the Civil War.    The first one struck was for the Navy, then from the same die was struck the Army version. (The Navy medal has an anchor.)  The title is a link to a page where you can look over the various editions. 

JACKSON, ARTHUR J., Pivate First Class, U.S. Marine Corps

 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine
Division. Place and date: Island of Peleliu in the
Palau group, 18 September 1944. Entered service at:
Oregon. Born: 18 October 1924, Cleveland Ohio.

                                        Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau group, 18 September 1944. Boldly taking the initiative when his platoon's left flank advance was held up by the fire of Japanese troops concealed in strongly fortified positions, Pfc. Jackson unhesitatingly proceeded forward of our lines and, courageously defying the heavy barrages, charged a large pillbox housing approximately 35 enemy soldiers. 


Map is a hotlink to Peleliu battle website

Pouring his automatic fire into the opening of the fixed installation to trap the occupying troops, he hurled white phosphorus grenades and explosive charges brought up by a fellow marine, demolishing the pillbox and killing all of the enemy. Advancing alone under the continuous fire from other hostile emplacements, he employed similar means to smash 2 smaller positions in the immediate vicinity. Determined to crush the entire pocket of resistance although harassed on all sides by the shattering blasts of Japanese weapons and covered only by small rifle parties, he stormed 1 gun position after another, dealing death and destruction to the savagely fighting enemy in his inexorable drive against the remaining defenses, and succeeded in wiping out a total of 12 pillboxes and 50 Japanese soldiers. 

Stouthearted and  indomitable despite the terrific odds. Pfc. Jackson resolutely maintained control of the platoon's left flank movement throughout his valiant 1-man assault and, by his cool decision and relentless fighting spirit during a critical situation, contributed essentially to the complete annihilation of the enemy in the southern sector of the island. His gallant initiative and heroic conduct in the face of extreme peril reflect
the highest credit upon Pfc. Jackson and the U.S. Naval Service.
 
  In bellum pons fortis 


 
      Around Oregon News Digest  |  Arts&Lettres  |  Business  |  Editorial  |  Events  | Life&Styles
      Natural History  |  Outdoor   |  SciTech  |   Sports  |  Travel  |  Peg's Bottom Gazette  |  Contact